Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Staying Focused

Today we faced a Macedonia team that we knew we should beat. These games can be difficult because many times when you take your opponent lightly – it turns out to be a battle. So the key today was to come out with some fire in our eyes and stay focused for four quarters. The team did well. They came out on fire again (similar to Monday night) and before we knew it we were in control with a 5 – 0 lead. It has been a long time since we have had a lead like that on anyone. We continued to dominate play and led 8 – 2 at the half and 11 – 4 after three quarters. The final score was USA 13 – Macedonia 6.

Two games – two wins. Winning is definitely fun. Everyone is happy and the momentum is building. Tomorrow we train in the afternoon and then on Friday at 12:10we will face Romania. Romania defeated Italy tonight 6 – 5 so we know we are in for a battle. They have a very good left handed center and a very good left handed outside shooter. The winner of the game on Friday will win our bracket and will have the extra day off again. This means that with a win on Friday against Romania we would not play again until Tuesday. This is huge in a tournament like this where endurance becomes a factor. Last summer, we took advantage of the extra day off by resting up and then coming out in the semi-final game against Serbia and blasting them out of the pool.

Obviously, the team is playing well and the guys seem to be coming together more everyday. They are family and as a coach that is what you want. Today after the game the entire team took the time to hang out with a group of high school players that have been traveling around Europe. The kids and their families were overjoyed. It was nice the see the guys willing to give back and connect with some up and coming young players.

It was very hot and humid over here today. I went over this morning with Ryan Brown and we watched Croatia beat Montenegro 11 – 4. It was surprisingly lopsided. Even though the game was at 10:50 am it was very hot and not much fun to be in the stands. Our game was at 5:00 pm and the sun was still blistering hot. There is no shade on the deck so 12:10 on Friday should be an oven.

There have been a few other surprises too. Spain beat Serbia 11 – 9 and Germany tied Hungary 7 – 7. There are four teams that are 2 – 0 (two of them in our bracket). USA, Romania, Croatia and Spain. Obviously, this is where we wanted to be. We are in control of our own destiny. A win on Friday means we are top 8 and two wins away from a medal. Three wins away from the gold.

It is time to call it a night and get some sleep. We have some game film to break down tomorrow and then an afternoon training session. All that matters now is Romania. One game at a time – one possession at a time. Keep the focus – keep the edge. So far we are playing like champions and living our standards.

See you at the pool.
Coach

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